What Size Cage Does My Parrot Need? (Species-by-Species Guide)
Short answer:
Your parrot’s cage should be large enough for them to fully spread their wings, climb, play, and move comfortably. In most cases, bigger is always better. A cage that is too small can cause stress, boredom, and behavior problems like screaming or feather plucking.
At Petsfella, a Canadian bird supply store specializing in parrot cages and bird accessories, we’ve helped bird owners choose the right cages for over 10 years. In this guide, we’ll show you exactly what cage size each type of parrot needs, plus how to choose the right one for your home.
Why Cage Size Is So Important for Parrots
A cage is not just a place to sleep — it is your bird’s main living space.
A cage that is too small can lead to:
- Stress and anxiety
- Boredom and destructive behavior
- Feather plucking or screaming
- Lack of exercise and muscle weakness
A properly sized cage helps:
- Improve mental health
- Encourage movement and climbing
- Make room for toys and perches
- Create a calmer, happier bird
Rule of thumb: Always buy the largest cage your space and budget allow.
How to Choose the Right Cage Size (3 Simple Rules)
Before we go into species-by-species sizes, follow these rules:
- Your bird must be able to fully spread both wings without touching the bars
- There must be space for toys, perches, and food bowls
- Your bird should be able to climb and move, not just sit
If your bird stays in the cage for many hours a day, go bigger than the minimum.
Parrot Cage Size Chart (By Species)
Below are minimum recommended cage sizes. Bigger is always better.
Budgies (Parakeets)
Minimum cage size: 18" x 18" x 24" (W x D x H)
Bar spacing: 1/2" or smaller
Budgies are small but very active. They need horizontal space to fly and hop, not just height.
Cockatiels
Minimum cage size: 20" x 20" x 30"
Bar spacing: 1/2" – 5/8"
Cockatiels love to climb and move around. A wider cage is better than a tall narrow one.
Conures, Quakers, Small Parrots
Minimum cage size: 24" x 24" x 36"
Bar spacing: 5/8" – 3/4"
These birds are playful and energetic. They need room for toys and climbing.
African Grey, Amazon, Eclectus
Minimum cage size: 30" x 30" x 48"
Bar spacing: 3/4" – 1"
These are intelligent, medium-to-large parrots that need space for mental and physical activity.
Cockatoos, Macaws (Large Parrots)
Minimum cage size: 36" x 48" x 60" or larger
Bar spacing: 1" – 1.5"
These birds are very strong, very smart, and very active. The bigger the cage, the better.
Bigger Than Minimum = Happier Bird
The sizes above are minimums, not ideals.
If you can go bigger — always go bigger.
A larger cage allows:
- More toys and enrichment
- More movement and exercise
- Less stress and boredom
- Better long-term health
What About Bar Spacing?
Bar spacing is just as important as cage size:
- Too wide → Your bird could get stuck or escape
- Too narrow → Your bird can’t climb properly
Always choose species-appropriate bar spacing.
Horizontal Space Matters More Than Height
Many people buy tall, narrow cages. This is a mistake.
Birds move side to side, not just up and down.
A wide cage is usually better than a very tall but narrow one.
How Many Toys and Perches Should Fit?
Your cage should have space for:
- At least 3–5 toys
- Multiple perches of different sizes
- Food and water bowls
- Still have open space to move
If everything feels crowded, the cage is too small.
Common Mistakes Bird Owners Make
- Buying the smallest cage to save money
- Choosing height over width
- Not leaving space for toys
- Forgetting the bird will grow (or become more active)
Which Cage Should You Choose?
At Petsfella, we specialize in bird-safe, species-appropriate cages for parrots across Canada. We carefully select cages that focus on:
- Strong, bird-safe materials
- Proper bar spacing Easy cleaning
- Space for enrichment and movement
You can browse our Parrot Cage Collection to find the right size for your bird.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it possible for a cage to be too big?
Almost never. As long as bar spacing is correct, a bigger cage is better.
My bird is out of the cage a lot. Can I use a smaller cage?
Even free-flight birds still need a comfortable, spacious home. The cage is their safe space.
Should I upgrade my cage later?
Yes. Many owners start small and upgrade later. Your bird will absolutely benefit from a bigger cage.
Final Answer
The right cage size for a parrot depends on the species, but in all cases, the cage should be large enough for the bird to fully spread its wings, climb, play, and move comfortably. Bigger cages are always better and help prevent stress, boredom, and behavior problems.
Why Trust Petsfella?
Petsfella is a Canadian bird supply store specializing in parrot cages, bird toys, and accessories. With over 10 years of experience, we help bird owners across Canada choose safe, high-quality products for healthier and happier birds.
